The Pediatric Gastroenterology Program, part of Hassenfeld Children’s Hospital at NYU Langone, hosts events and workshops to help children—and their families—adapt to living with gastrointestinal conditions, such as celiac disease. Our free events are held periodically throughout the year and are open to children 6 to 11 years old and their families. For information about upcoming events, please contact Kenza Hill at 646-754-2233 or kenza.hill@nyumc.org.

The Silly Yak Club

Children 3 to 7 years old, as well as their siblings and caregivers, are invited to join the Silly Yak Club, a supportive program for children adjusting to life with celiac disease. We play games, read books, create artwork, and enjoy lots of gluten-free snacks. Prizes are available as well, and everyone receives an official Silly Yak Club membership card.

Archive of Past Pediatric Gastroenterology Program Events

2017 Fall Fun

The Silly Yak Club celebrated fall by playing games and making gluten-free candied apples, fall wreaths, and more.

Second Annual Silly Yak Birthday Bash

The Silly Yak Club celebrated its second birthday to wrap up summer with cupcakes, ice cream, and s’mores.

2017 Summer Camp

Children participated in our own version of summer camp fun. We served S’Mac dinner, made summer camp crafts, and put together special fire-free, gluten-free s’mores.

2017 Family Education Day

Children and their families joined us for our second annual Family Education Day. Events included educational children’s activities, including a cooking class and a hands-on science fair, a provider self-care demonstration for parents and caregivers, and personal stories of parent transitions before, during, and after diagnosis. Guest speakers included Ivor Hill, MD, section chief of pediatric gastroenterology, hepatology, and nutrition and director of the Celiac Disease Center at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, and Theresa Morelli of the Sylvia Center. Watch Dr. Hill's presentation.

Family Game Night

Children and their families joined us in February for games, gluten-free snacks, and tons of Silly Yak fun.

2016 Family Education Day

Children and their families joined us on September 18, 2016, for our first annual Family Education Day. Events included educational children’s activities, including cooking demonstrations and crafts, a provider self-care demonstration for parents and caregivers, and personal stories of parent transitions before, during, and after diagnosis. Alessio Fasano, MD, Division Chief, Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition, and director of the Center for Celiac Research and Treatment at Massachusetts General Hospital was a guest speaker. Watch Dr. Fasano’s presentation here. Erin Smith of the Gluten Free Globe Trotter also spoke to parents. Watch her presentation here.